OK first you need to install the "CompizConfig Settings Manager" either go to the Ubuntu Software Centre and install the Advanced Desktop Effects Settings (CCSM)

or use the command:

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

When that is done go to the System, Preferences and start the CompizConfig-settings Manager

Go to the Effects section and enable the Animations Add-on

You can then go into the Effect settings by clicking on the name to the right of the check box, under the Burn heading are all the options to tweak the animation. Hours of pointless fun playing with this.